Sabarimala verdict: Woman booked for casteist slur on CM Vijayan

A case has been filed by the Arunamala police in Kerala against a woman for using a casteist slur against CM Pinarayi Vijayan during one of the protests against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages to the Sabarimala temple.

The case was filed after the video of the woman abusing Vijayan went viral.

Here's more.

What we know about the case Details

The case has been lodged against one Maniyamma, who was seen hurling casteist abuses at Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan during one of the mass protests against the Kerala government.

The video went viral on social media, and invited widespread criticism.

Ultimately, V Sunil Kumar, a member of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalan Yogam (SNDP), lodged a complaint against Maniyamma with the police.

The Sabarimala verdict and its aftermath in Kerala Context

On September 28, the Supreme Court gave its verdict on the Sabarimala temple entry case, quashing a ban on women's entry.

The move saw Ayyappa devotees and temple priests demand that the Kerala government file a review petition in the SC.

However, after the government refused to do so, mass demonstrations were held against the government through many parts of Kerala.

What steps are being taken to accommodate female devotees Accommodation

With the Supreme Court verdict being implemented in Kerala, the Kerala High Court had asked the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to detail steps taken to accommodate the newly-allowed female devotees.

In response, the TDB said that it would set up 500 toilets for the coming piligrimage season, but would not be able to provide adequate changing and washroom facilities for this season.

Muslim women to soon seek entry to mosques Muslims

Amid all the chaos, reportedly, the Supreme Court's verdict has inspired Muslim women in Kerala to demand entry to mosques too.

V P Suhara, the president of the Progressive Muslim Women's Forum (PMWF) in Kerala, said that her organization would approach the apex court in this regard soon, and that support from several women's groups and political parties is expected.

Women face discrimination in Kerala's mosques Fact

"Women face severe discrimination in Kerala's mosques. We will move the Supreme Court to end this. No Muslim who is a follower of Prophet Muhammad will sideline women," said Suhara.